How To Remove Livestock Ear Tags
As a standard animal identification method, tagging livestock ears is widely used. The information included in the tag may be used to identify animals that have been seized. We need to remove the ear tag from the animal if it’s sick, about to be murdered, if it’s an unapproved tag that has to be changed, or if it’s too heavy for its ear. An ear tag removal tool, essentially a plastic hook with a small blade attached, may be used to remove ear tags.
1. Materials Needed Ear Tags Removal
Various tools have been developed specifically to remove ear tags. The blade is normally in the shape of a V and designed to cut through the tag.
a. Equipment for Restraint: To maintain the animal’s composure, ensure it remains still during the operation. In that case, depending on the animal’s disposition, you may need a head gate or some other type of restraint.
b. A Solution for Disinfectants: It will reduce the chance of infection and clean the region once the tag has been removed.
2. How to Remove Livestock Ear Tags: Main Steps
The following are general steps for removing livestock ear tags. If you still have questions, please get in touch with a professional livestock ear tags manufacturer.
a. Prepare the Area
Check that you have sufficient tags and applicators available for the number of animals that will be tagged. If you are buying extra tagging equipment, give yourself plenty of time for arrival in case of any delays in the batch.
The next step is to establish a workstation that is both effective and secure and ensure that the tagging equipment is ready to go so that animals may be handled promptly and effectively.
The taggers should be maintained in excellent working condition, and spares should be available. It could be difficult to press an old rusty tag applicator, or it might produce a loud noise that might surprise the animal at the same time. Using modern applicators that are lightweight and ergonomically designed is more cozy, not only for the animal but also for the person who does the tagging.
b. Establish Biosecurity Measures
When you practice good hygiene, you can prevent the transmission of germs and viruses from one animal to another. The ear region should be cleaned, hands should be washed, gloves should be worn, the tagger should be cleaned with alcohol or another disinfectant, and the equipment should be placed on a sanitary surface to reduce the spread of harmful bacteria.
c. Restrain the Animal
Safely secure the animal by using the proper restraint devices. This may include the use of a head gate or any other approach that is appropriate. To reduce the animal’s tension level, ensure it is quiet.
d. Pay Attention to the Tag
Before removing the ear tag, it is important to check that it is the proper one and that there are no issues, such as infection or surrounding the tag.
e. Disinfect the Area
The area regarding the ear tag should be cleaned with a solution that contains disinfection. This helps avoid infection both during the removal procedure and after it has been completed.
f. Use the Ear Tag Removal Tool
Place the V-shaped blade of the ear tag removal tool so that it is pointing away from the animal’s ear as you hold it. When positioning the tool around the ear tag’s base, do not squeeze the animal’s ear. This will ensure that the tag is properly attached.
g. Cut the Ear Tag
To close the V-shaped blade that is encircling the ear tag, the handles of the removal tool should be gently squeezed. When cutting through the tag, use pressure that is consistent and equal. Take care to provide a clean and smooth cut to reduce any discomfort.
h. Remove the Tag
The tag should be removed gently from the animal’s ear after it has been cut. Examine the area once again for any indications of discomfort or infection.
i. Monitor and Care
Monitor the animal after tag removal to ensure no adverse reactions. Apply topical antiseptic to the cut area to aid healing if necessary.
j. Record Keeping
If you want to reflect the ear tag’s removal correctly, update the records. It is suggested that, if suitable, the previous tag be replaced with a new one or that an alternate identifying technique be used.
